Staff reporter
Bloemfontein – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the Free State is expected to decide on June 16 on a series of high-profile cases that could become one of the province’s biggest political scandals since the dawn of democracy.
The anticipated decisions could reshape the political landscape in the Free State and intensify scrutiny around the current leadership linked to the controversial Imvelo Safari Conference, with critics arguing that those who once accused former premier Ace Magashule of corruption are now facing similar accusations themselves.
The matters relate to four cases first reported by STEPUPSANEWS in 2024.
The following cases are currently under the spotlight:
- P COMM FS OCIU CAS 06/07/2024
- CAS 553/10/2024
- COMM FS OCI: CAS 05/05/2024
- CAS 966/11/2024
With both the Hawks and the NPA confirming that the matters have been referred for a decision, STEPUPSANEWS approached Advocate Eugene Ontong, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, for comment.
“Please note that the investigations in all three matters referred to below have not yet been finalised by the SAPS/DPCI.
“As such, the matters are currently not in a posture where the NPA is able to make final prosecutorial decisions,” Ontong said.
He further indicated that he could not provide detailed feedback on the status of the cases at this stage.
“Accordingly, I am presently not in a position to provide substantive feedback regarding the status, other than that the matters are still under investigation, or the merits in respect of the matters mentioned,” he added.
Ontong said more clarity would only emerge once the investigation dockets are returned to the NPA.
“Proper feedback will only be possible on or after 15 June 2026 once the investigation dockets have been returned to the NPA by SAPS/DPCI and the progress and completeness of the investigations can be properly assessed,” he said.
Any decision to prosecute could place the governing African National Congress (ANC) under renewed pressure in the Free State.
While no prosecutions have yet been announced, the developments are expected to draw significant public and political attention in the weeks leading up to June 16.
The time is ticking.
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